Louisiana churches work to get children out of poverty

Kevinisha Walker Staff Writer

Tuesday

Jul 12, 2016 at 9:37 PM

According to reports from organizations such as the Annie E. Casey Annual Kids Count and Loyola University New Orleans' JustSouth Index, Louisiana has consistently been one of the lowest-ranking states in all measures of child well-being.

According to reports from organizations such as the Annie E. Casey Annual Kids Count and Loyola University New Orleans' JustSouth Index, Louisiana has consistently been one of the lowest-ranking states in all measures of child well-being.

An estimated 27.7 percent or 296,000 of Louisiana children live in poor families.

To decrease that percentage, leaders from hundreds of churches within 16 Catholic and Protestant denominations have come together to form the Bread or Stones campaign.

This evening, 70 area church leaders and congregants met at First United Methodist Church in Houma to see how they can contribute to the campaign.

It is a way for churches throughout Louisiana to act on their moral obligation to improve children's health, reduce poverty, help them stay in school and support their families.

"If we can mobilize the voice of the religious community and bring together that religious voice to speak on behalf of our children then we can make a change," Louisiana Interchurch Conference Chairman Robert Gorman said.

The campaign is part of the advocacy efforts of the Louisiana Interchurch Conference public policy task force.

Gorman, along with First United Methodist Church pastor Robert Ross addressed the problems Louisiana children are facing and the ways they and their congregations can help.

Churches like First United Methodist have already contributed to the campaign with various programs such as Al Anon meetings and by hosting Boy and Girl Scout groups.

"We have 141 children in our preschool program, we help the MacDonnell Services and children in foster care and provide supplies for The Haven and the food bank," Ross said. "Bread of Stones is just an avenue through which we can work together."

Gorman said they are not asking churches to come up with new programs. They just want to show people how involved churches are with this issue.

"A lot of churches are involved already, but it's about getting them together so we can go before policy makers and let them know that we're involved and that we want things to change for our children," he said.

The campaign works collaboratively with the government, nonprofits, civic organizations and concerned individuals through education, social services, citizenship and community building.

Although the campaign is working with Christian denominations, it welcomes members and leaders of other faith groups to take part.

For information on how you and your church can participate, call the Louisiana Interchurch Conference at 225-344-0134.

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